That jar of pickles has left a sticky ring on the shelf, and a mysterious odor greets you every time you open the door. Here is a step-by-step process to deep clean your fridge and get rid of those unpleasant messes. It is a good practice to deep clean your refrigerator every three to four months to ensure it runs efficiently and your food is stored in a hygienic environment.
Step 1: Preparation and Gathering Supplies
Before you begin, it's wise to gather everything you will need to make the process smooth and efficient. You will need rubber gloves, several microfiber cloths, a small detail brush like an old toothbrush, a vacuum with a hose attachment, and a cooler with ice packs for perishable items. For cleaning, a simple mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap is effective for most surfaces. For tougher stains, a paste of baking soda and water, or a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water, can be very useful. [1, 2, 6]
Step 2: Empty the Refrigerator and Freezer
Begin by turning off the power to the refrigerator or unplugging it completely for safety. [1] Carefully remove all food items from both the refrigerator and freezer sections. Place perishable items like dairy, meat, and leftovers into the prepared cooler. This is an excellent opportunity to declutter your food items. Inspect expiration dates on condiments, dressings, and other packaged goods, discarding anything that is past its prime. Wipe down the outside of jars and containers before setting them aside. [4]
Step 3: Remove and Soak All Detachable Parts
Take out all removable shelves, drawers, dividers, and trays. If you have glass shelves, allow them to come to room temperature before washing to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes. [11] Fill a sink or a bathtub with hot, soapy water and let these components soak while you clean the interior of the fridge. This soaking time will help to loosen any dried-on spills and grime, which will make scrubbing them much easier later on. [11]
Step 4: Clean the Interior and Exterior
With the inside of the refrigerator now empty, you can begin the deep clean. Start from the top and work your way down. Spray the interior surfaces with your cleaning solution and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. [3] Use your detail brush to get into tight corners and crevices where crumbs can hide. Pay special attention to the door seals, as these can trap a lot of gunk. Wipe between the folds to ensure a clean and proper seal.
Once the inside is clean, it is a good time to clean behind and underneath the appliance. Carefully pull the refrigerator out from the wall. This is crucial for improving your fridge's efficiency. Use your vacuum's hose attachment to gently clean the condenser coils on the back or bottom of the unit to remove dust and pet hair. [10, 13] This helps the fridge dissipate heat more effectively. Also, vacuum and wipe down the top and sides of the refrigerator.
Step 5: Wash, Dry, and Reassemble
Return to the shelves and drawers that have been soaking. Wash them thoroughly, rinse with clean water, and dry them completely with a fresh microfiber cloth before placing them back inside the clean refrigerator. [2] Once everything is back in place, you can return your food items to your sparkling clean fridge. Take this opportunity to organize your items for better visibility and access. Finally, clean and polish the exterior of the fridge, and remember to plug it back in.
A Finishing Touch for Your Door Seals
After everything is clean and dry, you can apply a very small amount of petroleum jelly to the rubber gaskets around the refrigerator door. This helps to create a better seal and can prevent the rubber from becoming brittle and cracking over time, which will help maintain the efficiency of your appliance.
Organizing Your Clean Refrigerator
Now that your refrigerator is clean, take a few extra minutes to organize it effectively. Store raw meats and dairy on the lower shelves, which are typically the coldest part of the fridge, to keep them fresh and prevent any drips from contaminating other foods. [4] The door is the warmest part of the refrigerator, so it is best for condiments and other less perishable items. [7, 8] Using clear bins can help group like items together and make it easier to see what you have at a glance. [8]